Case study of equine welfare on an Irish farm: 2007 to 2009.

Abstract

This report describes the progression in welfare standards for horses on a horse farm in the Republic of Ireland between 2007 and 2009. Visits to the farm were undertaken and information, in the form of written notes and digital recording of observations and examinations, was gathered in consultation with officials from the Gardaí (the Irish police), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Further independent veterinary corroboration of clinical findings and laboratory support occurred following seizure of the horses. The complex reality of on-farm equine welfare problems and the difficulties in achieving a resolution are discussed compared with other species conventionally considered to be food-producing animals.